President urges digital push to make Bangladesh a tourism hub
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for greater use of technology, modern tourism management and planned development to make Bangladesh more attractive to domestic and foreign tourists.
In a message marking World Tourism Day 2026, the President said Bangladesh had abundant natural beauty and immense potential for developing its tourism sector.
He highlighted Cox’s Bazar’s long sandy beach, the Sundarbans, Sylhet’s tea gardens, Saint Martin’s Island, Nilgiri and Nilachal in Bandarban, Sajek Valley and Kaptai Lake in Rangamati among the country’s major attractions.
He also mentioned the waterfalls of Jaflong, the historic Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat, haors, green hills, Buddhist monasteries, rivers, crop fields and the country’s six distinct seasons.
The warmth and hospitality of the people, along with Bangladesh’s rich culture and heritage, have made the country a unique destination for travellers, he said.
The President said tourism could contribute significantly to economic and infrastructural development, employment generation and poverty alleviation.
He said the tourism sector was undergoing continuous change as innovation and technological development transformed the way tourism services were managed and delivered.
“Digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence are reshaping the structure, management and delivery of tourism services globally, influencing everything from travel planning and access to information to transportation and accommodation,” he said.
Against this backdrop, he described this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” as timely and significant.
He expressed satisfaction that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism was observing World Tourism Day 2026 in Bangladesh alongside countries around the world.
The President said the government was committed to developing tourism in a long-term, sustainable and planned manner.
“To this end, work is underway to formulate an integrated ‘National Tourism Master Plan’, encompassing 1,498 tourist attractions across the country,” he said.
He said initiatives had also been taken to develop tourism facilities in each district based on its tourism potential, local heritage and culture.
Alongside updating the National Tourism Policy and establishing a modern tourism training institute, plans are also underway to promote eco-tourism and community-based tourism, he added.
Mirza Fakhrul said ongoing government initiatives to advance the information technology sector would further accelerate the digital transformation of tourism.
He urged stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to work together to modernise the industry and establish Bangladesh as an attractive tourist destination globally.
“Online booking, digital payment systems and Artificial Intelligence-based information services will make Bangladesh’s tourist destinations more accessible, secure and attractive,” he said.
The President wished success for the programmes marking World Tourism Day 2026.
